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THALA BEACH LoDgE oooo ½ thala beach lodge offers a true luxury Port douglas accommodation in a glorious beach resort setting, conveniently close to the natural attractions of cairns, Port douglas, and the great barrier reef. this resort is fully eco-accredited and consists of private deluxe timber bungalows built high on stilts and nestled in the forest canopy—a special treat after a day's exploring. 29 QT PoRT DougLAS oooo Qt is nestled in the warm heart of tropical North Queensland, located close to all the natural wonders of the great barrier reef and the world heritage-listed daintree rainforest. set among lush tropical gardens, it features new, spacious rooms and apartments, each with a private balcony. A lagoon-style pool is perfect for enjoying the North Queensland sun. 30 SunSHInE CoAST SHERATon nooSA RESoRT & SPA oooo escape to the non-smoking sheraton Noosa resort & spa to explore your passion for comfort and unforgettable beachside experiences. surrounded by warm sunny coasts, lazy rivers, awe-inspiring rainforests, and the Noosa National Park, this ideal location gives you access to a range of adventures. retreat to the spacious guestrooms, lifestyle spa studios, or comfortable suites, and take in the views. 31 noVoTEL PALM CoVE oooo set in tropical North Queensland, the non-smoking Novotel Palm cove is a popular family resort located 25 minutes north of cairns. take a trip to the daintree rainforest, snorkel the great barrier reef, ride the kuranda train, and enjoy spectacular views from the sky rail. this is an idyllic getaway for relaxation, set amid stunning scenery and offering numerous amenities. 27 PuLLMAn PALM CoVE SEA TEMPLE RESoRT & SPA oooo ½ this opulent, non-smoking resort is designed for guests with total indulgence in mind. it is ideally located in the Palm cove village precinct north of cairns, with direct beach access and within walking distance of the esplanade, which offers an array of local restaurants, shops and cafés. Asian-style architecture provides a new level of in luxurious and sophisticated accommodations. 25 REEF HouSE BouTIQuE RESoRT & SPA oooo ½ this boutique beachfront resort offers a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere in the heart of Palm cove, directly opposite a white sand beach. Nearby attractions include the great barrier reef and the world heritage-listed daintree rainforest. spacious rooms and suites were luxuriously refurbished, but have maintained their colonial charm. the resort boasts the only true honor bar on mainland Australia. 26 PALM CoVE PoRT DougLAS 28 SHAnTARA RESoRT PoRT DougLAS oooo ½ central to Port douglas, this property is near four Mile beach, the shops and restaurants of Macrossan street, and, a short stroll away, Marina Mirage is also a short stroll, with excursions to the great barrier reef departing daily. this non-smoking boutique resort offers self-catering apartment style accommodations. the property has two immaculate lagoon-esque swimming pools (one of which is heated in the winter), a gymnasium, complimentary parking, internet facilities, and exotic landscaped gardens throughout. 20 Queensland VAcAtioN eNhANciNg tours The Sunshine State lives up to its name best when you pre-select the right way to see it. Book your tours before you go to experience Queensland as it should be. Quicksilver Outer Barrier Reef a hotel pick-up makes it easy to get to one of australia's greatest natural wonders and enjoy it from aboard a high-speed catamaran. a reef activity platform, moored in the lagoons at the renowned agincourt reef, offers swimmers and non-swimmers fun in the Great barrier reef via the semi-submersible underwater observatory, snorkeling, or, at additional cost, scuba or an oceanwalker helmet dive. lunch on board is included. O'Reilly's & Lamington National Park (Full-Day): the quaint township of canungra and picturesque canugra Valley add charm to your coach tour to mt. tamborine for a recommended cup of tea or just a stroll along Gallery walk to browse local gifts. back on the bus, scenic mountain roads meander up to the Green mountains of o'reilly's rainforest retreat, located in the world heritage-listed lamington national Park. a tree top walk precedes a break for an optional lunch, after which you'll stop briefly at an alpaca farm. Silverswift Outer Barrier Reef from Marina Snorkeling Cruise Lunch take the silverswift catamaran from the marina for five leisurely hours of visiting three different sites on the outer barrier reef. locations may vary based on conditions, but the constants will be visual impact, ecological diversity, and the challenge of discovery. a guided snorkel tour is included, as is lunch on board with the option to purchase beverages. Consult your travel agent for more details on these and other tours. Transfers: A complete selection of private transfers is available.